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The story revolves around the life of 18-year-old Delilah, who at first is struggling but succeeding at sobriety, life, a part time job, maybe boyfriend and volunteer work at a suicide prevention helpline but all these become heavy burdens as she finds herself grappling with her aunt’s terminal illness and impending loss. Jacobus skillfully portrays the complex emotions accompanying such situations, from the crushing sadness to the simmering anger. Del’s journey through grief and guilt is both heart-wrenching and authentic, making it relatable.

What sets this book apart is its unflinching exploration of complex subjects. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of addiction and suicide, portraying them in a raw and unfiltered light. Through Del’s eyes, readers are confronted with the severe consequences of these issues and the impact they have on individuals and their families.

While “The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent” is marketed as a young adult novel, its themes and mature content make it suitable for older teens and adults alike. Jacobus’s writing is poignant and thought-provoking, making it a valuable resource for initiating important conversations about mental health, addiction, and the complexities of family dynamics.

This was a tough read for me. Having personal experiences with in-home hospice and issues around death, I found myself frequently taking breaks and reaching for tissues. But, I’m glad I read it because in the end, this novel is not just a story about loss and hardship; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of adversity. The book invites reads to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a glimmer of hope and healing in the midst of life’s darkest moments. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page, challenging you to embrace the complexities of the human experience.

Ann Jacobus is the author of YA novels The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent and Romancing the Dark in the City of Light. She earned an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has published articles, essays, short fiction, and poems. She teaches writing and presents at workshops and conferences. A former suicide crisis line counselor, she’s a mental health advocate and speaks to teens about writing and suicide prevention both. Born in Texas and a life-long Tex-Mex addict, she and her family divide their time between California and Massachusetts.

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